Reducing Chronic Pain Following Cesarean Delivery

A Pilot Feasibility Study of an Intervention to Reduce Chronic Pain Following Cesarean Delivery

This pilot study will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of delivering Empowered Relief (ER), a single-session pain relief skills class, to postpartum women with ongoing pain and/or pain interference following cesarean delivery. Participants will receive ER in addition to standard postpartum care and will be followed through 12 weeks postpartum.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Complete informed consent.
2. Age 18 years or above.
3. Postpartum woman who delivered by cesarean within the Stanford Healthcare system.
4. Viable birth (singleton or multiple gestation).
5. All maternal demographics and complications are eligible: parity, medical conditions (e.g., pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes), and post-surgical complications (e.g., hysterectomy, ICU admission, extended hospital stay).
6. All neonatal complications are eligible (e.g., NICU admission, extended hospital stay)
7. Attend the 6-week postpartum clinic visit.
8. Any pain intensity (numeric rating scale [NRS] >0/10) and/or pain interference (PROMIS pain interference 8a score >8) at 6 weeks postpartum.
9. English fluency, with ability to read and write.
10. Ability to adhere to and complete study procedures.
11. Access to a smart device if attending ER session via Zoom.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Age under 18 years.
2. Cognitive impairment or psychological factors that would preclude comprehension of study material or full participation.
3. Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent.
4. Chronic pain prior to pregnancy.